Teachers who have recently enhanced their qualifications are expressing their frustration over the Ministry of Education’s delay in implementing salary upgrades. Several teachers revealed they have yet to receive the promised pay increase associated with their advanced qualifications.
One teacher from the Western Division, who wished to remain anonymous, has taught at the secondary school level for over 20 years and invested in her own education to earn a degree. She graduated in April but is still receiving an annual salary of $22,000, although her salary was supposed to rise to $28,000 post-graduation.
Another educator who earned her degree last year is similarly awaiting her salary adjustment. “New graduates entering the profession are starting at $28,000, while those of us with over 20 years of experience have yet to see a pay increase despite upgrading our qualifications,” she lamented.
Muniappa Goundar, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union (FTU), stated that the union has been actively advocating for the appropriate payment for around 200 teachers who have completed their studies but remain on a lower pay band. He noted that despite previous assurances before the 2024/25 National Budget, no allocations have been made for this essential expense in the current financial year.
An investigation revealed that the Ministry of Education’s finance team did not submit the necessary requests to the Ministry of Finance, resulting in a financial shortfall affecting dedicated teachers who have pursued professional development.
Additionally, reports surfaced about teachers returning to the ministry after resigning and migrating. These individuals are currently on a six-month probation and are unfairly categorized on a lower pay band instead of the appropriate level after completing their probation.
This ongoing delay is placing significant strain on teachers and their families, who depend on proper remuneration to cover living costs. The FTU is urging the ministry to expedite the allocation of necessary funds to address these issues. Teachers who have pursued further education, as well as those returning to the profession, deserve timely and fair compensation for their efforts and commitment.
The FTU is calling on the Ministry of Education to prioritize teachers and their families by securing the funds for these outstanding payments. “Our teachers deserve nothing less than prompt and equitable treatment in recognition of their invaluable contributions to education in Fiji.”
As of press time, the ministry had not provided any comments on the situation.